Dubai to Host WGO World Congress of Gastroenterology in 2021 (WCOG-2021)

Dubai has emerged as host city for World Gastroenterology Organisation's biennial World Congress of Gastroenterology which is set to take place from 12-15 December 2021 (WCOG-2021) at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Congress will see participation of over 6,000 delegates from around the world, all gathered to share knowledge and best practice that will aid advancement of the health science of gastroenterology.

     (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/719565/Dr_Maryam_Al_Khatry.jpg )

     (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/719563/Dubai_Convention_Gate.jpg )

     (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/719564/Prof_Cihan_Yurdaydin___President_of_WGO.jpg )

This milestone win confirms the commitment of the UAE as a supporter of scientific innovation and the advancement of medical practice on an international scale and re-affirms Dubai's position as a leading destination for meetings and conventions.

Commenting on the win for Dubai, His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism, said: "Dubai being chosen to host the World Congress of Gastroenterology is a significant win for, not just the city, but the entire nation. It is testament to the city's efforts in pushing the nation's innovative and progressive healthcare agenda by paving the way for platforms such as the WCOG-2021. This win demonstrates our ability to collaboratively deliver a competitive bid, together with our partners from various streams and functions, ultimately showcasing the holistic strengths of our city. We look forward to welcoming attending delegates and visiting healthcare providers to the city for WCOG-2021."

The extensive bidding journey included a successful presentation by Dr. Maryam Al Khatry, President of the Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society "EGHS" of the Emirates Medical Association, at the WGO General Assembly in Washington DC. This was attended by WGO member societies and representatives from the four regional affiliate associations, representing more than 50,000 healthcare providers world-wide. Following the bid presentation, the WGO General Assembly unanimously voted for Dubai as the host destination for the 2021 edition.

Dr. Maryam Al Khatry, President of EGHS, said: "I will always cherish this special achievement as there is no better way to successfully complete my mission, than to secure this important win for our country, on the very same day that our nation commemorated the philanthropic and humanitarian legacy of our visionary Founding Father on the 'Zayed Day for Humanitarian Action' and reinforce our commitment to all the values ​​and principles embodied by Sheikh Zayed.

"Winning the right to host this important congress for the UAE is a major milestone for our country and the region as a whole. It marks the first time in history that the WGO has convened a major international congress in partnership with an Arab-based national society. By joining forces with the WGO, our aim is to foster joint activities with a high caliber world leading organization and jointly create a progressive legacy for many years to come," Dr. Maryam added.

Following the announcement, Prof. Cihan Yurdaydin, President of the WGO, said: "On behalf of the WGO Governing Council, I would like to express our appreciation to the Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society lead by Dr. Maryam Al Khatry for submitting a world class bid. We are well aware of the time and effort that has gone into this ambitious endeavor. We are very excited by the prospect of this future collaboration and look forward to record participation at the World Congress of Gastroenterology, Dubai - 2021."

The Dubai bid was supported by Dubai Dubai Business Events (Dubai Tourism), Dubai International Convention Centre, Dubai International Airports, UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention, Dubai Health Authority, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Sheikh Hamdan Award for Medical Sciences, College of Medicine & Health Sciences (UAE University), Emirates Airlines, Fly Dubai, Dubai Police, Dubai Immigrations and Professional Conference Organisers Meeting Minds Experts.

Notes to the Editor: 

About EGHS 

The Emirates Gastroenterology & Hepatology Society "EGHS" envisions itself as an organization of Gastroenterologists imbued with a high level of ethical values and committed to the beneficial exchange of knowledge among the fraternity of gastrointestinal practitioners. It also aims to dedicate itself to the development of systems by means of which research into understanding, prevention and cure of digestive diseases may be facilitated.

About WGO 

The World Gastroenterology Organisation is a global organization committed to bringing education, training and advocacy to low resource and underserved regions of the world. WGO is able to achieve its mission and objectives through close partnership with and through the commitment and efforts of its 114 member societies worldwide and 4 regional affiliate associations in Africa-Middle East, Asia Pacific, the Americas and Europe, who overall represent more than 50,000 gastroenterologists and other healthcare providers in related fields.

About Dubai Business Events - the Official Convention Bureau      

Dubai Business Events (DBE) - the Official Convention Bureau, aims to further develop and increase Dubai's share of the international business events market in order to grow economic development, jobs and knowledge creation in the emirate. DBE's main goal, as a division of Dubai Tourism, is to establish the Emirate as a premier business event destination by helping organizers of international meetings, incentives, congresses and exhibitions plan and manage every aspect of their event. As a member of BestCities Global Alliance DBE aim to deliver the world's best service experience for the meeting industry.

About Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) 

With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world's leading tourism destination and commercial hub, Dubai Tourism's mission is to increase the awareness of Dubai among global audiences and to attract tourists and inward investment into the emirate. Dubai Tourism is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai's tourism sector. It markets and promotes the Emirate's commerce sector, and is responsible for the licensing and classification of all tourism services, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. Brands and departments within the Dubai Tourism portfolio include Dubai Business Events, Dubai Calendar, and Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.